"This grant will give Rochester a modern train station that will connect residents to all of New York and New England, whether they're traveling by train, bus or car," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "Projects like this offer more transit options to more people, opening doors to opportunities both near and far."

The grant is for the final design and construction of a new, 12,000-square-foot station that will include a high-level island passenger platform, an underground concourse for pedestrian and baggage access to the new platform, two new dedicated passenger sidings and additional track and signal work. It will improve access to Amtrak's Empire Service from New York City to Niagara Falls, the Maple Leaf from New York City to Toronto, the Lake Shore Limited from New York City/Boston to Chicago and connections to other modes of transportation, such as Greyhound and Trailways bus services, the Rochester Regional Transit Service buses and taxis.

"Rehabilitating or building new stations plays an important role in strengthening our rail system," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo. "Creating stations that are accessible to all, convenient, clean and provide quick access to other modes of transportation boosts ridership by attracting new passengers as it stimulates local economic development."

NYSDOT is contributing $7.5 million to the project and the city of Rochester is contributing $500,000. Award of the NYSDOT contract for the project is expected in the fall of 2013 with construction expected to begin in spring 2014.